Release 2008b includes new features in MATLAB and Simulink, two new products, and updates and bug fixes to 91 other products, including PolySpace code verification products. Subscribers to MathWorks Software Maintenance Service can download product updates.

Since R2008a, the MATLAB and Simulink product families require activation. R2008b includes enhancements to the License Center, the online tool for managing your license and user information.New capabilities for the MATLAB product family include:

* Function Browser for finding functions, and automatic help for function arguments, in MATLAB * New algorithms for random number generation in MATLAB, including ability to create multiple independent streams * Support for netCDF and JPEG 2000 file formats in MATLAB * Ability to deploy Parallel Computing Toolbox applications using MATLAB Compiler that run with MATLAB Distributed Computing Server * New notebook interface in Symbolic Math Toolbox for managing and documenting symbolic computations, plus access to MuPAD symbolic engine and language directly from MATLAB * Nonlinear mixed-effects (NLME) models in Statistics Toolbox * Econometrics Toolbox, a new product for economic forecasting and risk management that incorporates the functionality of GARCH Toolbox